Checkmate

Fool's Mate

I was dumbfounded, Liam showed me a video of me entering and then leaving Daniel’s suite after a while. I didn’t get what the problem was. We had just had the confrontation with Ava and that was that. Nothing happened. Why was this being spun into something that it wasn’t? Just as I was about to ask Liam how the video was taken…. “Looks like the new Faust w***e decided to show her face,” Ava’s voice came from behind. I turned around to face her. “This is all your doing,” I said. She smirked, “I would like to take all the credit but you’re the cheap sl*t that got caught on camera,” she said gloating. “Nothing happened!” I said through gritted teeth. My fists formed as my nails dug into my flesh. This girl had a way of pushing her boundaries, I was about to lose it. “Don’t fall for it Lily, she wants you to lose your temper so she can play the victim card,” Liam said. Ava seemed annoyed “Listen to your loser friend sl*t,” she said. Tears began to prick my eyes, Ava capitalized on my reaction. “What’s the matter? Did you think you wouldn’t get caught? It’s a pity you’re a newbie because this humiliation is only the tip of the iceberg. We take such behavior very seriously SL*T!” she said. Before I knew it the entire hall was chanting “sl*t” “sl*t” “sl*t”. My heart began to race, my forehead began to sweat, it was hot, the room was spinning and I couldn’t breathe. I was tortured by the chanting and Ava’s spiteful laugh. I was about to lose my balance I was falling, but Liam and Rebecca caught me just in time. In a minute the atmosphere in the hall changed and everyone stopped chanting. Daniel and the rest of the Faust members were next to us. When Daniel’s eyes locked with mine they looked lethal. Those eyes wiped Ava’s smile off her face. In a firm cold voice he said, “Lily Knight and I are dating. We’ve been dating for a while now. What we do remains private and I advise you all to mind your damn business.” Ava protested, “Who you trying to fool Daniel, everyone here knows we are betrothed.” Daniel smirked. “Keep lying to yourself Ava.” He took my hand in his “From now on if you do anything to humiliate Lily or hurt her in any way, I’ll never forgive you.” He said in a cold voice. I saw tears run down Ava’s face. She just got reject in front of everyone. Daniel led me out the hall, leaving the distraught Ava behind. I would have been astatic but I felt uneasy as if Ava was only the first of our problems. But if it meant Daniel would be by my side like he is now, then I could face it all.

When we got to an unknown lounge, which I assumed was strictly for Faust, Daniel told the guys to leave us. When everyone was gone we sat on the couch. When he looked at me, his eyes softened. “Are you okay?” he asked. I gave him a weak nod “Thank you for sticking up for me,” I said. He squeezed my hand and said, “I should be apologizing to you for what happened. I allowed Ava to feed this monster she has become. I should have been a better friend.” I gave him a sympathetic look. “We all make choices, Ava is no exception. Could you have been a better friend? Maybe. But you can’t be held accountable for her actions.” I said. He deep sighed before saying, “Let’s get you breakfast. We left the private room and went out for breakfast. Daniel chose an eatery with sea views. The atmosphere helped me relax. We enjoyed our breakfast. “So are we dating now?” I asked. “I thought we established that in your room Knight,” Daniel said. “I just thought we were going slow,” I added. He gave me a dry laugh then said. “Fast or slow doesn’t matter, as long as you know you mine.” I smiled at his bold statement. “Possessive much…” I playfully remarked. “You have no idea since I picked you. You are officially Daniel’s lily.” He said. The pun made me blush like a silly girl. “Mission accomplished,” He added. That made me smile even wider. Who would have known that winning a chess game would result in a love story? The rest of the social weekend goes on without further drama, well at least none involving me. I get to see Olivier here and there when we bump into each other, being around him is good for me. He has this way of making me see things from different perspectives. We spent most of our days hanging out with Faust, this made me and my friends even more popular. More so now that Daniel made us official when he stood up for me. Ava still gives me the death glare even though she’s still trying to get Daniel to forgive her. All an act if you asked me! I was sitting on my bed when Daniel got out of the shower, and the answer is NO we have not been doing anything besides cuddling, kissing, and some caressing. But that’s as far as it goes, I had told him I was not ready and he has been nothing but a true gentleman. I already knew I would eventually give it up, but it had to be because I was ready, and being ready meant being in love with him. I was not there yet. I wasn’t waiting to lose my V card at prom like all those clichéd movies, what mattered to me was I fell in love with the guy I gave it up to and most of all the feeling would be mutual. I wasn’t looking for some romantic gesture either, I constantly imagine a spontaneous moment where we both sure about our feeling and we just give in to the passion. But nowhere he was standing in my room with nothing but sweats on, hanging dangerously low. He had that after-shower glow that made me want to give it up on the spot. “You do know you’re staring right?” He said. When I realized I was caught I tried to retort but the words just couldn’t come out. I was at a loss, I was so enthralled by my dirty fantasy that I even zoned out. “It’s okay, you can drool all you want.” He added. My laugh came out rather deflated, I couldn’t believe I was caught. I shook my head, then said, “Don’t get a big head.” He chuckled and that only made me want him more. How could he make something so simple sound so sexy? I knew for sure that I was in the deep end, I could either swim or drown. I just hoped I wouldn’t experience the latter. 

Today was our last day, Daniel suggested we go sightseeing together, I feel excited. “So where are we going again?” I asked. “Nice try sweetness.” He said with a smirk. “Come on tell me!” I begged. “Patience my sweet flower.” He said and he leaned in to plant a forehead kiss. I pouted as I playfully hit his shoulder. “Keep your secrets,” I said. He only smiled at me as he leaned in more, making me lean back. When he was hovering over me, his lips quickly found mine. One kiss that ended as if I had imagined it. “I’m going to find a t-shirt,” He said as he winked at me before he left. My head hit the pillow followed by a deep sigh. A while later Daniel and I arrived at his secret destination. We entered a cottage, it looked quaint. A middle-aged woman welcomed us. “Oh Daniel, it’s always great to see you.” She said with the biggest smile. Daniel returned her greeting just as affectionately. I could tell they were quite close. “You know I can’t stay away aunt Leyla.” He said with warmth in his eyes. She smiled as she turned her attention to me. “You must be Lily!” she said, it wasn’t quite a question. “Good day Mam, I’m happy to meet you.” I responded. She gave me a small smile “Well how refreshing, you seem better than that Eva.” She said as she gave Daniel a pointed look. “Aunt Leyla, you do know Ava was just my friend, right?” Daniel asked. “Tell that to your father dear, I’m certain he’ll have a mouthful to say. I love my brother but my goodness…” she paused. “He can be such a brat.” She said. “You sound like Rebecca.” Daniel said. “Well good for her. We all know your mother left him for a good reason.” Leyla added. “That doesn’t excuse her mom for divorcing us too.” Daniel said. “Your mother could have done things differently dear, but she did the best she could. She loves you.” Leyla said. “Yeah well, let’s not ruin a good day. I did promise my date a good time.” Daniel said. “Indeed, my apologies for the family politics dear.” Leyla said. “It’s alright Mam.” I said. “Oh, please call me Leyla. I hope you enjoy your day here.” She said. “Thank you Ma- I mean Leyla.” I said. She gave me a warm smile and then spoke to Daniel. “Enjoy yourselves.” She said as she winked then walked away. When she was out of earshot I said. “You could have given me the heads up you know.” I rolled my eyes. “Well, meet the family.” Daniel said with a smirk. I laughed then asked, “So your aunt’s home is your most favorite place in Hampton?” He looked into my eyes then said, “You are about to find out why my sweet flower.” He took my hand, then led me through the back door. When we got outside I immediately realized why this was a favorite. “Get outta here!” I said. I was captivated by the beauty of it all. His aunt owned a vineyard. “Shall we explore?” Daniel asked. “Hell yeah!” I responded without giving it any thought. We walked through the vineyard, stepped on some grapes, and tasted some wine. It was a beautiful experience. We captured some moments on camera. I was loving every moment. Finally, we got back inside the cottage. “Did you enjoy yourself?” Leyla asked. “I had a wonderful experience.” I replied. “Excellent.” She said. “Lunch is ready, please have a seat.” She added. “Thank you.” I said. We sat down and chatted while waiting for Leyla’s husband and their guest. “So, who is this guest that has uncle Kev so busy on a weekend?” Daniel asked. “Oh it’s – just on time, I was about to tell Daniel about you.” Leyla said while looking at the two men that walked in. Leyla got up to receive them, when Daniel and I looked at them I saw a middle-aged man and a familiar face. It was Oliver. “What is he doing here?” Daniel asked. “Oh, that is no way to speak Daniel.” She said. “It’s alright aunt Leyla. I’m sure Daniel here got the wrong idea when I was with Lily.” Oliver said. “That and the fact that you are in my aunt’s house Mr. Self-righteous.” Daniel said sarcastically. “I would rather be that than an arrogant punk.” Oliver said. “Enough you two, let’s have lunch.” Leyla said. I was grateful for her intervention. “Lily dear, this is my husband Kevin Ross. Honey this is Daniel’s girlfriend Lily Knight” Leyla introduced us. “Good to finally meet you, Lily, we have heard good things.” Kevin said. “Thank you, sir, I’m happy to meet you too.” I said. Soon we were all seated and having lunch. The weird part was how similar Daniel and Oliver were. Their mannerism and the way they both played with their forks. “You two look so much alike.” I said out loud. I didn’t mean to but I did. Aunt Leyla and Kevin almost choked on their wine, Oliver smirk with intrigue in his eyes and Daniel looked disgusted at the comparison. “I’ll go get the dessert.” Leyla said. “I’ll help you, dear.” Kevin added. When they were gone Daniel looked at me. “How could you compare me to him of all people?” he asked. “What you too good to be compared to the likes of me?” Oliver said. “I’m not talking to you. And yes, I am too good.” Daniel retorted. “I don’t understand why you two dislike each other so much.” I said.

“This guy is obsessed with me, that’s why,” Daniel said. Oliver scoffed, “And the world revolves around Daniel King, why am I not surprised?” Oliver said. “It’s not my fault your ex fell for me man, get over it,” Daniel said. “You had to go there? Does it make you happy? I bet you ravel at how every girl throws herself at you, just so you can have your way with them and then discard her like trash.” Oliver said with venom. “Is this true Daniel?” I asked. “It was a long time ago. I was a different person then.” Daniel said. “Leopards don’t change their spots, like father like son,” Oliver said. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Daniel asked. “Maybe you should go ask your father,” Oliver said as he got up. “It always ends badly, if I were you I would leave before I get burnt,” Oliver added as he looked at me. “I think you should leave my aunt’s home,” Daniel said annoyed. “Both of you are equally welcome in this house,” Leyla said as she placed her cheesecake on the table. “I need to get going aunt Leyla, please don’t let me ruin a good day for everyone,” Oliver said. “You are just as stubborn as your father,” Leyla said. “You know his father?” Daniel asked. As if caught off guard Kevin said “Oliver’s dad and I worked together when I was in London.” Leyla gave her husband a grateful look and then hugged Oliver. “Call us when you get back okay.” She said. Oliver nodded then left. When the tension in the room finally disappeared we were all chatting and laughing again. But something kept nagging at me, Oliver’s warning reminded me of something Ava said. That didn’t sit well with me.